Naim sweet spot

Whilst it is more expensive than the SN3 or 282/200DR combo, I do think the 252/SCDR/300DR combo is worthy of a shout (when compared to a 500 series). It is expensive, but really delivers a great sound and again is very balanced. I do feel the 252 does not get the attention it deserves. I am guessing this is because it requires a SCDR, which makes it very expensive. I have always scratched my head regarding this - why is the 552 sold with a power supply and the 252 completely separate? Probably a marketing/pricing strategy.

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I’d have to say I think the Uniti Atom is one of the best overall products Naim has made to date. Affordable, reliable platform, powerful enough for most scenarios, single box, compact, solid design, HDMI ARC (I use mine on a TV for example).
Assuming you aren’t in need of MM Phono, the Supernait 2 remains a lot of Naim for not much cash, you can configure it and upgrade it in multiple ways of course.

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Because the SC can be used with so many other bits of kit, there is a good chance you’d already have one. The power supply for the 552 can only be used with the 552. A SC can be used with anything except a digital source.

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value vs sq? I’d have to say the cb and Olive kit hc/62 or 72 /140 at new price.

Since then the price has increased beyond the value curve. All items much better sq than the ones before, but there is a price premium.

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With the current used prices, that is a stellar system for a “relatively” bargain price. Easily an end game setup. If streaming is a must, then I suppose replacing CDS3 with NDS may be a good option, though I have never heard NDS.

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Integrated amps: Supernait 3 (+ HiCap DR if you don’t consider the final price)

Separates: NAC 202 / NAP 200 DR / HiCap DR (it has to be DR, the “basic” NAP 200 sounded too close to the Supernait 3 even though better IMHO). What a pity the 202 / 200 combo isn’t available in the NC.

Streaming: ND5 XS2

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Uniti Nova is a highly impressive piece of kit for the money.

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SBLs. After twenty years of buying, selling, swapping, re-buying and reselling and exploring like a pathfinder, those speakers are still the thing I admire most.

(The fact the you can buy a pair for half the price of similarly aged LS3/5as makes them the best audio buy ever perhaps)

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This reduces to ‘what is the best Naim system your finances can reasonably accommodate?’…

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Speaking for myself, my Nait 1 paired with a ND5 XS 2 is the best combo together with the Logic DM101 and the Spendor Classic 4/5 speakers that are paired with it, price quality wise. This is because I have paid exactly nothing for the set up. My enormous gratitude goes out to my sister and my mum and dad. Thanks to their generosity this kit is playing like a charm in my house.

But I am also impressed by my dads NAC-62 with NAP-140.

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282/hicap/250 dr without hesitation, for me.

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Do you mean, by ‘new’, the currently available range?

I think these days you can get a well-serviced Superuniti for some or even less than 1,5k Pounds, Dollars, or Euros. I can’t possibly imagine that there is any better Hifi option for that price.
SN3 is a step beyond, obviously.

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found the question not clear.
“hierarchy is terms of value balanced with sonic delivery for new kit…?””
It’s the Naim , irrespective of the series, be it olive, classic, new classic…
or the best value in the new kit , new as new classic?
I feel it’s more the first.

I took it to mean cost at time of being new. If not then it is only the current range that can be considered.

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272, 250DR, Power supply (ideally 555).

Roger

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1990s

CDI - NAC72 - HC - NAP250 - NACA5 - SBLs :trophy:

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Sweet spot? Probably the system you have right now.

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Supernait 3 with hicap has to have a shout. It’s an excellent combo

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Lol, it will be just as soon as I have that one final upgrade. :+1:

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